4 out of 4 stars
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I developed more interest in this book when I realized that the writer is not just any ordinary health enthusiast, or some health writer, but a retired medical doctor with great repute. He has many years of practical experience in medicine and, his medical research includes over 120 publications. He has also contributed to multi-authored text books and has served in the boards of several national medical journals. Dr. Morton E. Tavel is a specialists in cardiovascular diseases and has worked with a number of hospitals including Greene County General Hospital and St Vincent Carmel Hospital in America. There is a lot more information on him and his work on Google.
However, despite Dr. Tavel's knowledge and reputation in medicine, he still researched other health professionals/scientists’ work to come up with a lot of the information he presented in this book and has acknowledged them in his table of reference.
Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks by Morton E Tavel, MD is an interesting nonfictional book that answers a lot of questions in relation to health as well as giving clarity and tips on health issues. The reader will not miss trending topics such as weight loss, GM products, fat consumption, nutrition, high blood pressure, dietary supplement, exercises, scams etc. in this book.
As indicated in the title, the writer divided the book into three sections: 1 Health Tips, 2 Myths, 3 Tricks. The three sections make up 54 chapters of the book with each chapter dealing with a subtopic in the health sector.
I was actually surprised and in some cases shocked at some of the lessons or information in this book. For example, in page 6 and 7:
… dietary supplements are promoted as products that are safe and effective, but they are rarely either. Since they are not subjected to the rigorous study required of drugs, they are almost universally ineffective, but worse yet, they are often unsafe. Although unable to keep up with the huge number of products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled hundreds of weight-loss supplements that contained drugs that were usually not listed on labels.
One other interesting revelation from this book is that skipping breakfast can make a person put on weight. I suddenly got an explanation for the reason why I started putting on weight and growing fat on my belly when i actually do not eat much, and yes, i have been skipping breakfast for a long time.Don’t take any weight-loss supplements. They are unregulated, ineffective, but most importantly—they could harm you. Further information about this subject is noted in chapter 55.
Dr. Tavel also carefully discussed the complicated and sometimes contradictory issue of GM products, which for many is a health and agricultural concern. He takes the reader through a brief information on GM food, and the concerns and arguments for, and against genetically modified products.
Other sections of the book (Myths and Tips) deals with a lot of issues and questions including the safety of Wi-Fi, probiotics, milk consumption, allergies, etc.
Health Tips, Myths and Tricks by Morton E. Tavel is an interesting eye opener and a valuable reference especially for laypeople like myself, and also, people who want to know some of the drugs to avoid. It is certainly not a substitute to your doctor but, contains references of published health and scientific research of established institutions and professionals.
The book went through the rigorous process of book publishing at Brighton Publishing LLC and is well structured. As a layperson I do not want to mention what I do not agree with about this book, since I cannot scientifically present or explain my objections. However, whereas DR. Tavel mentions on page 6&7 that supplements are not safe, he later indicates on page 88 that one who has vitamin deficiency can take dietary supplements on advice of a physician.
Also, his writings on genetically modified products to me sounds like an attempt to strengthen the argument for, GM foods. This is because he just made mention of the fears and questions people have raised about GM food and products, and wrote a lot to explain why he and many think GM food and products are safe. But then, he has provided data to support his augments.
I rate Dr. Morton E. Tavels Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks 4 out of 4 stars and I recommend it to everyone especially the health conscious reader.
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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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Thanks for the review - I wouldn't usually read a book like this, but you have made it sound very compelling!
